Roland W. Soucie

With family at bedside this most recent battle against the many symptoms of multiple sclerosis would prove his last as Roland passed peacefully and without fear after his 40- year humble and tenacious war against the disease.

Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts to the late William Oliver and Isabel Dunbar Soucie, Roland spent his childhood immersed in all things mechanical and technical eventually mastering his HAM radio hobby achieving his license at just 7 years of age!

In 1956 The United States Navy proved an ideal next step for Roland where his interest in technology could then be formally nurtured along with proud service to his country.

Discharged 4 years later Roland's story now took flight when in Boston, 1961 he raced his Austin-Healy to the curb to meet, on a blind date, the woman who would soon become the love of his life, “Oni”, Iona Catherine MacLaren.

The checkered flag now waved on this love affair, they'd marry on 8/26/1962 and begin a family introducing James Edward, then Mark Dunbar, and finally Heather Elaine.

Now a savvy professional engineer Roland worked in both California, then Rhode Island, and finally back to the west coast for good in 1969 where the family would then call Costa Mesa home.

Employed by Standard Co. in Carson, CA. (1970 to 1998) Roland was promoted from engineer to Vice President in 4 short years where his business travels took him around the globe.

Roland had a passion for speed be it land, air or sea no vessel nor vehicle proved too fast for him as he was the envy of the neighborhood when behind the wheel, or under the hood of his Lotus, manning the boat out of Dana Point Harbor or obtaining his Pilot's license.

In the mid 80's Roland was diagnosed with MS and he, Iona and the family braced for next hill to climb.

Self -pity had no place here as Roland deliberately went from Lotus Esprit to hand-controlled Chrysler van. From pilot's seat to that of his electric wheelchair, beagle at his side, the neighbors would gather to watch him fly his radio-controlled planes.

One thing was clear, and we all marveled - when Roland got tangled up, he would simply "tango on"!

Roland and Iona Soucie retired to Cambria, California building a home there and relocating in 1999.

They quickly became the pride of the new community that they so dearly loved and embraced as their own and none of the family will forget the many trips up the coast to spend time at the pines by the sea, the hours of their beloved Elton John music and always a beagle filling the home, visiting the American Legion and Community Presbyterian Church where they flourished.

MS and retirement hardly slowed Roland as he became the "Cambria Computer Guy" (If I can't fix it - You don't pay).

In 2012 Roland and the family were dealt a devastating blow as Iona passed away tragically and suddenly, leaving Roland now to face MS without the love of his life and his primary caregiver.

Courageously and in faith Roland did as Iona surely would have asked as he would "Keep Calm and Carry On" and “Keep the Music Going”.

Roland did this for the ensuing 10 years by continuing to drive, live alone, and support himself with the help of a wonderful team of caregivers.

In 2023 after dealing with the many infections and side effects from MS Roland relocated to Aliso Viejo, CA. where he was cared for at Belmont Assisted Living until his passing.

While we were all happy to have him closer to us in Orange County there's no debating that Cambria was his home.

Roland is predeceased by his beloved wife Iona. He is survived by his loving sons Jim and his wife Leah, Mark and his wife Patti, daughter Heather (Balestriere) and her husband John, cousins Mike, Lynne and Kath, and of course his two grandsons Drew and Brandon who knew him simply and fittingly as “Beep-Beep” and oh how his bright blue eyes shined upon seeing them!

His legacy of unwavering strength, humor, love for the fast lane, and his dearest Iona “Oni” all amidst his courageous fight against MS will be carried forward in the hearts of all who knew and adored him.

A memorial service will be held at Pacific View Legacy Chapel, located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, on August 25, 2025, starting at 10:00 am.